Exclusive | Elegy is back!

the Japan Road Report 2024

As most of you have already heard (or if not, this is a great introduction), Elegy is back!
The Dutch band that made waves in the 90s and sold over a quarter of a million (!) albums, especially outside the Netherlands.

RECONNECTING AFTER 20 YEARS

After more than 20 years, they decided to reconnect and pick up where they left off. Late 2023 saw shows in Italy and the Netherlands, early 2024 in Greece, and a few more in the Netherlands, followed by a trip to the US (Progpower Atlanta). The last two shows of 2024 are scheduled in Tokyo, Japan. Elegy is headlining two consecutive days at the Evoken festival alongside bands like Gloryhammer, Hibria, Derdian, Final Strike, Darktribe, Stranger Vision, and Winterage.

Bassist Martin Helmantel wrote a tour report about the last two shows in Tokyo, Japan.

ARRIVAL IN TOKYO

October 17: A Long Journey

After a gruelling journey (17 hours with a layover in Shanghai), we arrive late at night in Tokyo. The promoter picks us up, followed by a hair-raising ride to the hotel. Thanks to the bus driver’s style, we were wide awake! To our surprise, we’re greeted in the hotel lobby by fans who had been waiting for us for quite some time!

Exploring Tokyo

A short night follows, and on Friday, we have the day off to explore Tokyo. First, we all head to Ochanumizu Street, famous for its many guitar shops, including the ESP shop run by Nori Ishii, who accompanied us on our 1997 European tour with Stratovarius. It’s one of many reunions with old acquaintances and friends. After some sightseeing in Shibuya, Tokyo’s busiest district, where we also check out the famous Tower Records (7 floors of CDs, LPs, books, and sheet music), we have our next appointment: a meeting with Steve Harrell, the A&R manager of the record company that got us into the Japanese charts in 1993.

A Memorable Reunion

“How will I recognize you?” I ask. “I’m wearing the shirt you gave me 30 years ago”, he replies. It turns out to be the shirt I wore in the “I’m no fool” music video; indeed, it was clearly recognizable – he still had it hanging in his closet. Steve has lived in Tokyo for 41 years and manages to get us into a restaurant with a usual waiting list on a busy Friday night. During dinner, Steve even sends an invitation to Marty Friedman on behalf of ELEGY … unfortunately, he’s unable to make it.

SOUNDCHECK AND MEET & GREET

October 19: Early Start

October 19 starts with a soundcheck at 9:30 AM! Drummer Dirk Bruinenberg’s sponsor (British Drum Company) has delivered a drum kit that’s already set up waiting for him. A Warwick bass guitar is also delivered to me in the venue, thanks to Rutger van Noordenburg (guitarist of Pestilence) and his friend Yue Ryu! Thanks to these two, I was able to close this deal before we left the Netherlands! We patiently work through the soundcheck, and even Ian Parry’s voice is awake! After the soundcheck, it’s time for a “meet & greet” with the fans. We’re navigated right on time to a room where a large number of people are waiting to take photos with all band members and have their CD covers, t-shirts, posters, etc., signed. Many people were still wearing the shirts we sold during our last Japanese tour… 27 years ago!

Afternoon Excursion

In the afternoon, we have a few hours free and decide to visit the temple and memorial site of the former emperor and empress. It’s very impressive to walk around this park, if only to see two-meter-high walls of Sake barrels (the gods drink alcohol too!). During these excursions, we’re accompanied by Fumiko Matsumoto and Michiyo Kano, who guide us and make sure we don’t hopelessly get lost in the bustle of Tokyo. Late afternoon brings another surprise – top photographer Fabio Leidi from Milan (who works for magazines like Vogue) has booked a last-minute flight to “take some photos of his favorite band.” That night, he sends us about 800 snapshots from the first performance.

ELEGY SHOWTIME!

October 19: First Performance

8:50 PM Showtime… we step onto the stage and are welcomed by a sold-out Shibuya Stream Hall. Every song is loudly sung along by mostly peers but also a noticeably younger audience. Especially guitarists Henk van der Laars and Gilbert Pot are idolized by the guitar-loving crowd. All in all, it was a successful return to Japanese soil. After the performance, there’s a reunion with many fans from the past before we head back to the hotel.

October 20: Another Early Start

October 20 starts early again. We’re picked up at the hotel at 8:45 AM for another soundcheck (singer Ian skips this one; it’s too early for him to sing), followed by another meet & greet and breakfast before returning for our second performance. Steve Harrell picks us up again for a tour of Tokyo. Sunday is typically a day off for most Tokyo residents; thus, it’s even busier! For lunch, Steve has something special planned at Shakey’s Pizza where we can choose from regular pizzas or even chocolate banana pizza!

Second Performance Highlights

8:50 PM rolls around again; we’re back on stage! The audience is warmed up by Hibria and Gloryhammer; the mood is electric! After our intro tape plays, we step onto stage amidst deafening cheers. Ian is in top form; skipping that early soundcheck worked wonders for his voice. Once more, every song is sung along loudly as today’s audience takes it up another notch! We decide to play some extra material and go well over our planned set time. Afterward, we quickly pack our things due to strict venue curfews. We notice that nearly all merchandise has sold out as we head towards our bus… however outside we’re met by an enthusiastic crowd of fans who wave goodbye until our bus disappears from sight. It remains an incredibly special experience to perform here—Arigato!

DEPARTURE

October 21: Heading Home

5:30 AM lobby call at the hotel! After a short night’s rest followed by a long flight back to the Netherlands! Regards,

Martin Helmantel

All photos provided by Martin Helmantel